:quality(90)/f/86150/5472x3648/1cdf91d821/useful-apps-for-vietnam.jpg)
:quality(90)/f/86150/483x483/467ce292e6/lexi-ward.jpg)
Moving to Vietnam as an English teacher can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to navigating daily life in a new country. Thankfully, technology makes settling in much easier. From ordering food and booking transport to making friends and buying essentials, the right apps can save you time, money and a lot of confusion.
Whether you are preparing to move to Vietnam or have just arrived, these are the five essential apps that will make everyday life easier. These apps are widely used by locals, expats and English teachers living in Vietnam, helping you adapt quickly and enjoy your experience abroad.
Btaskee
Btaskee is a useful app for booking home cleaning, cooking and household services. Planning to invite friends over but do not want to spend your next day cleaning your flat? Btaskee allows you to book reliable services directly through the app.
For busy teachers, this can be a convenient way to save time and keep your home organised without having to manage everything yourself.
Zalo
Although WhatsApp is used by some Vietnamese people, Zalo is the essential communication app in Vietnam. It is the main platform many locals use to stay connected, make friends and communicate with businesses and services.
Having Zalo installed is especially useful when living in Vietnam, as colleagues, landlords and local contacts will often use it as their main way of messaging.
Xanh SM
Similar to Grab, Xanh SM is a taxi and transport app that allows you to book journeys across the city. It is a great alternative when Grab is busy or there are not enough drivers available.
While Xanh SM can sometimes be slightly more expensive than Grab, having another transport option available is extremely useful, especially during busy periods or bad weather.
Shopee
Shopee is one of the best apps in Vietnam for buying everyday items, electronics, clothing and household products at affordable prices.
However, always check seller reviews and ratings before making a purchase. While many shops offer great deals, it is important to buy from trusted and verified sellers to avoid products that are too good to be true.
For many expats and English teachers in Vietnam, Shopee quickly becomes the go-to app for shopping.
Grab
Grab is arguably the most essential app for life in Vietnam. It allows you to book transport around the city, order food and arrange deliveries directly from your phone.
Grab is affordable, convenient and widely available across Vietnam. The app also accepts many international debit and credit cards, meaning you can download it before arriving and use it as soon as you land at the airport.
Final thoughts
Having the right apps can make settling into life in Vietnam much easier. From getting around the city to communicating with locals and ordering everyday essentials, these five apps will help you feel more comfortable and independent during your time abroad.